Nothing ruins a routine oil change quite like finding metal flakes in the drain pan. Metal shavings can often be quite subtle, appearing more like glitter than the large pieces of shrapnel some people may immediately think of. Is It Normal to Have Metal Shavings in Oil? Some new engines will show a bit of … Read more
Internal combustion engines turn your wheels using power generated from small, controlled explosions. These explosions generate loads of heat, and this waste heat must be transferred away from the engine block. If the engine block were to get too hot, materials in the engine could warp, crack, or melt. Coolant, Radiator Fluid, and Antifreeze… What … Read more
A failed connecting rod is one of the most catastrophic forms of engine failure. This failure is commonly referred to as a “thrown rod” or “throwing a rod”. When a connecting rod fails, there is a very good chance the piston or connecting rod could smash right through the engine block at very high speed, … Read more
As vehicles age, individual components within an engine wear down a little bit every time it’s being driven. When fluid is routed through hoses and lines, various types of gaskets are responsible for keeping things leak free. Unfortunately, these gaskets deteriorate and can eventually fail. One of the more common reasons for an engine oil … Read more
Little can be as concerning as the sudden onset of a strange sound from beneath your vehicle’s hood. No matter the type of sound, one’s thoughts automatically begin to turn toward impending engine failure and the excessive expenditure that might result from such an issue. Few such noises are as common as a ticking or … Read more
In a four stroke combustion engine, intake and exhaust valves play a critical role in a vehicle’s ability to turn fuel into power. What Do Valves Do? Valves control the movement of a fluid through a system. Inside your car engine, that fluid is air. On the intake stroke, intake valves must open to allow … Read more
Most motorists come to know their vehicles quite well, both inside and out. Because of this, it comes as no surprise that most vehicle owners quickly recognize any drivability issue that presents itself. Of these driveability issues, few can be as aggravating, or difficult to pinpoint as that which could best be described as a … Read more
An internal combustion engine needs four things to run: air, fuel, spark, and compression. Compression is created by spinning the engine. If the engine is off, how would you get it moving again to create this compression? Enter the starter. A starter is a big electric motor that is designed to spin your engine when … Read more
Inside an internal combustion engine, metal components move very rapidly, with tight clearances under intense temperatures and pressures. Without a source of lubrication, these components would quickly wear each other out from metal on metal contact. Engine oil is specifically designed to prevent this catastrophic wear. Engine oil has a pretty tough job. It needs … Read more
Combustion engines operate on the principle of burning things to go faster. Ironically, you’re not supposed to smell anything burning while you’re driving down the road. If you do encounter a burning smell while in or around your vehicle, it’s important to identify the source and correct the problem. Some burning materials are very dangerous … Read more